Schumer: Russia faces ‘serious consequences’ if it protects Snowden

Sen. Charles Schumer (N.Y.), the third-ranking Senate Democratic leader, said Sunday that Russia will face “serious consequences” if it harbors Edward Snowden, who has been charged with espionage.

“What’s infuriating here is Prime Minister [Vladimir] Putin of Russia abetting Snowden’s escape,” Schumer said in a CNN “State of the Union” interview. “I think it will have serious consequences for the United States-Russia relationship.”

Snowden, a former employee of Booz Allen Hamilton who leaked classified materials related to the National Security Agency’s electronic surveillance operations, has been charged with several counts of espionage.

He initially fled to Hong Kong but took a flight to Moscow Sunday morning after U.S. officials requested his extradition by Hong Kong authorities.
Schumer said Putin likely approved Snowden’s flight to Russia and certainly knew of it.